Our history

Over the past 45 years, we've grown and diversified our offerings, with a focus on the people we help within our community. We hope to continue to evolve our services and offer support to those who need it most.

Here is a the journey so far...

20 Jul 1975 - Lifeline Toowoomba opened at Matilda House, 88 Russell Street, Toowoomba (receiving 600 to 700 calls per annum). Rev Geoff Waugh serves as the Interim Director.

Jan 1976 - Rev Robert Holt takes over as the Director of Lifeline Toowoomba.

Apr 1977 - Sister Bernadette Curtin L.C.M. is appointed Director.

Jan 1979 - The Family Support Service (known originally as The Homemaker Service) is first funded.

Feb 1980 - Rev Noel Park begins as Director/Managing Director.

Jul 1980 - The Material Aid Service (now called Emergency Relief) is established.

Aug 1980 - The Counselling Centre is relocated to 161 Hume Street, Toowoomba.

June 1982 - The Dalby and Warwick Sub-Committees are established to help fund the first landline to Toowoomba

May 1983 - Lifeline’s current logo is approved by the National Lifeline Board of Australia.

1984/1985 - The Distribution Centre relocates to 2-6 Hodgson Street.

1987 - Lifeline Farmline is established to help farmers cope with high interest rates.

1988 - Relocation of the Counselling Centre to 127 Russell Street

1991 - The Dalby Office is opened.

Jun 1993 - The Break-Even Program is established.

Jul 1993 - Telstra introduces the National Number 13 11 14.

Dec 1993 - The Counselling Centre relocates to 5 Mill Street.

1995 - Rural Family Counselling Service established.

18 Sep 1996 - The Company is registered.

1997 - Warwick Counselling Rooms and Shop established.

1998 - St George Counselling Rooms and Shop established.

Oct 1998 - The Distribution Centre relocates to 192A Stephen Street.

Jul 1999 - Charleville Office is established.

Nov 1999 - Office at 1 Taylor Street, Toowoomba is established.

May 2000 - Derek Tuffield appointed General Manager.

4 Aug 2001 - Dalby Office (1 Patrick Street) is officially opened.

25 Jun 2003 - The Lifeline Smart Tip Shop is officially opened.

Feb 2004 - Premises at 17 Long Street, Toowoomba are purchased.

2006 - National Roll-Out of Greater Access Program by Lifeline Australia Incorporated-13 11 14.

Apr 2010 - Office opens at 34 Queen St, Roma.

Jun 2010 - Office opens at 24 Stockyard St, Cunnamulla.

30 Aug 2011 - Execution of new Memorandum of Understanding III between UnitingCare Community and Lifeline Darling Downs & South West QLD Ltd.

31 Dec 2012 - Official Opening of relocated Head Office at 33 Russell Street.

21 June 2013 - Official Opening of Renovations to Distribution Centre, 192A Stephen Street, Toowoomba.

26 May 2014 - Opening of New Shop in Warwick.

Oct 2015 - First not-for-profit enterprise to be awarded the Heritage Bank Business Excellence Awards – Business of the Year.

Nov 2015 - Opening of Herries Street Superstore.

5 Feb 2016 - Opening of new Smart Tip Shop, Wellcamp

13 May 2016 - Official Opening of the Flexi School Intergenerational Mentoring Hub, Toowoomba.

Latest

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Australia’s first LGBTI+ Domestic Violence Awareness Day

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Donations welcome during COVID-19 response

During the COVID-19 controls Lifeline Darling Downs continues to receive and process donations from the public.
Lions Club and Bendigo Bank deliver loads of winter items.

The Lions Club of Toowoomba West has delivered more than 70 brand new blankets and other winter items for those doing it tough thanks to a grant from Bendigo Bank.
Lifeline Stores Temporarily Close

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Lifeline Darling Downs Phased Re-open of Retail Stores as COVID-19 Restrictions Ease

Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland have announced that from Monday 18 May 2020 they will re-open further retail stores but with reduced trading hours.
Australia’s first LGBTI+ Domestic Violence Awareness Day

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Housing Hub Supports Those Hit Hard by Covid-19

The Hub is a fantastic example of partnering at its best. By working together during this difficult time, community and the Queensland Government Housing Service Centre have enabled people to shelter in safety and work towards permanent housing.
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3 ways to Share the Warmth this winter.

We may consider the idea of simply bringing out the warmer sheets and winter clothes a simple resolution to feeling cold, but spare a thought for those who can’t simply swap out the cooler sheets or clothes for a warmer alternative.